USCIS Extends Designation of Sudan for TPS

Contributed by Kim Tremblay, Associate Attorney

On September 3, 2014, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it was extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of Sudan in the United States and redesignating South Sudan for TPS.

If you currently have TPS and have maintained your status, you must reregister during the reregistration period.  This period will be between September 2 and November 3, 2014.  Your status will be extended until May 2, 2016 once your application is approved.  The employment authorization document that you have will be automatically extended until May 2, 2015 while you are waiting for your new employment authorization document.

If you do not currently have TPS or if you did not reregister during earlier reregistration periods, you may register now if you meet certain conditions.  For example, if you could not register because of compelling circumstances, you may be eligible to do so now.  You should consult an immigration attorney to determine whether you meet the conditions for late initial registration or late reregistration.

If you are a citizen of South Sudan and have TPS, you may reregister for TPS under the same process.  However, you may choose to reapply for TPS under the redesignation of South Sudan for TPS.  If you are a South Sudanese citizen who has never applied for TPS, you can also file a new application under the redesignation.  Those applying for initial registration under the redesignation can apply between September 2, 2014 and March 2, 2015.  You will have to show you have been present in the U.S. since November 3, 2014.